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Dowagiac residents hear update on class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc.

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July 1, 2026

As of now, the case has been filed as a class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc. in the Kalamazoo U.S. District Court. The case alleges that because of the constant noise being emitted from the Hyperscale Data Inc. data center, property values for residents living within a mile of the facility are declining. Attorneys Laura Sheets and Steven Liddle acknowledged there are other impacts associated with the data center — such as environmental concerns and a lack of transparency — however, the case in its current state is only alleging property damage and seeking compensation for those claims. The defendant — Hyperscale Data Inc. — has reviewed those claims and asked for an extension to give an answer, which was granted and is due July 24.

Hyperscale Data Inc. finalizes data center campus expansion in Dowagiac

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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June 30, 2026

Soon after that expansion was initially announced, Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman and City Manager Kevin Anderson said the city had no more information than the public about the property. This prompted Mayor Bakeman to write the company an open letter on April 1, giving Hyperscale 45 days to provide the city with more information. On the final day, Bakeman said the company agreed to schedule a meeting “with the expectation that we will meet within the week.” Bakeman has provided no further updates on that meeting. Watershed Voice reached out to Mayor Bakeman seeking an update on the status and content of that meeting but did not receive a response before publication.

The Edison Neighborhood Association will renovate its building into a ‘resilience hub’

By Elliot Russell, WMUK

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Kalamazoo

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June 30, 2026

The Edison Neighborhood Association’s building on Washington Avenue in Kalamazoo is undergoing renovations to become a “resilience hub.” That means it’ll be outfitted to serve residents in the case of extreme weather during heat waves or after tornados. Renovations include solar panels, battery storage, a commercial kitchen, and an upgraded community room that will allow for livestreaming meetings.

Early guide to Michigan’s August 4 primary election

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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June 24, 2026

While many voters focus on November, the primary narrows the field in races that will shape state and local government for years to come. Watershed Voice has assembled this early guide to help readers prepare well in advance. Additional candidate profiles, questionnaires, and proposal explainers will be published closer to Election Day.

Cooling centers and places to beat the heat in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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June 24, 2026

As temperatures climb across Southwest Michigan, residents looking to escape the heat have several options throughout Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties. With excessive heat expected next week ahead of the holiday weekend, here's where and how to beat the heat.

Sturgis power outages drop to 175 as crews continue storm recovery efforts

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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June 16, 2026

As of Tuesday morning, City Manager Andrew Kuk said approximately 175 electric customers remain without power as crews continue restoration work across the city. The storm initially left at least 3,000 customers without electricity after powerful winds brought down trees, power lines, and utility infrastructure throughout Sturgis. Unlike many neighboring communities served by utility companies such as Consumers Energy or Indiana Michigan Power, Sturgis operates its own municipal electric department, meaning restoration efforts have been coordinated directly by city crews alongside outside mutual aid partners.

Union members return to work after Local 2093 votes to approve new contract

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 16, 2026

On Sunday evening, Local 2093 members in Three Rivers voted 80% in favor of their new contract that runs through 2030 with American Axle, known locally as Dauch Corporation. Members approved the contract, granting them a finalized deal and sending them back to work. As previously reported by Watershed Voice, the contract includes their “30 by 30” goal, meaning $30 per hour in wages by 2030. That will result in a 36% increase in top wages over the life of the contract. Bargaining Chair Josh Jager included a number of other provisions in the contract when announcing the tentative agreement.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 16, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, June 16, for a regular business meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 333 W. Michigan Ave. Commissioners will work through a lengthy agenda that includes approval of more than $105,000 in drinking water chemicals, nearly $42,000 for citywide tree and stump removal, and roughly $310,000 in wastewater treatment chemicals, Commissioners will also consider adopting a media access policy allowing approved organizations to connect directly to the city’s sound system. Watershed Voice plans to use the connection to improve livestream audio quality during city commission meetings. The audio is a direct feed from commissioners’ and city staff microphones. If adopted, the policy will take effect immediately.

UAW Local 2093 reaches tentative agreement with American Axle, awaiting member approval

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 11, 2026

"After 18 years of sacrifice these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them," UAW President Shawn Fain said during a Facebook livestream Wednesday. "Ten days of sacrifice and solidarity to win back nearly 20 years of struggle. That's because our labor is our power. Never let them tell us we're not worth a fair wage and a dignified life. [..]" Fain praised Local 2093 for what he called a "masterclass" in running a contract campaign. He said workers were prepared to remain on strike for weeks or even months, but a tentative agreement was reached after 10 days.

Downtown Cassopolis redevelopment project nearing completion, adding seven housing units

By Watershed Voice

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News

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June 10, 2026

The project, led by the Cass County Land Bank Authority, is transforming a building that has sat largely unused for years. The building's upper floors have been vacant since 2020, while the street-level commercial space has remained vacant since 2015. Once completed, the redevelopment will provide five one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments with balconies. The units will be available to households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income, helping address the need for attainable housing in Cass County.

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